Arab League says Israel must compensate Sudan over factory attack

November 12, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The Arab League council of foreign ministers on Monday issued a condemnation of Israel for carrying out an attack on a weapons factory in the Sudanese capital last month.

The council called on Israel to take responsibility for the “aggression” and compensate accordingly for all damages incurred. It cleared Sudan from any allegations that the plant produced anything other than conventional weapons.

Despite assertions by Sudan that Israel launched the airstrike on the Yarmuk factory, Israeli officials refused to confirm or deny involvement.

It was the latest in series of airstrikes launched inside Sudanese territory since 2009 that were blamed on Israel. The latter accused Sudan of serving as a hub for smuggling weapons to Hamas which controls the Gaza strip.

The foreign ministers also expressed solidarity with Sudan and asserted its right to defend itself in compliance with international law and conventions. They also backed Khartoum’s efforts to bring the issue before regional and international institutions.

(ST)